This year’s band theme is “Through Countless Halls of Air.” Our new band directors, Mr. Simpson and Mr. King, were “gifted” this program by former band director, Mr. Rogers. The directors are planning to focus more on music proficiency rather than strictly marching technique this year.

There are 81 band members including the guard, pit, winds, drum line and drum majors. Alex Baldwin serves as the drum major along with Jess Bogle as assistant drum major and french horn/saxophone section leader. Travis Lawson leads the low brass section, and Isaac Coder is the flute and clarinet leader.  The drum line is directed by J.J. Herbs, while James Hartung manages the pit, and Leah Swarts leads the trumpet section.

When asked what a normal band practice looks like, Mr. King replied, “Normally we warm-up in sections (led by the section leaders); then we warm up together in a fundamental marching block or concert arcs. From there we simply run the show’s drill sets one-by-one and then use a ‘chunking’ technique to put them all together. When setting a new drill, we have students find their individual set points then check it person-by-person until it is exactly how we want it to look. It takes a bit longer, but we are both perfectionists in a way and refuse to accept anything less.”

Their first competition was Saturday, September 22, and the second one was September 29, prior to fall break. Mr. Simpson and Mr. King were very excited to present the show at various competitions, and they are looking forward to a long and fruitful future with the Red Raider Band.